Systems and methods for mechanically heated catheter tips are provided. The systems include, for example: a catheter body (110) with an axial lumen (121); a catheter tip (170) with at least some of the tip constructed out of a high-friction, thermally- conductive material; a friction producing plug (130) disposed in the axial lumen of the catheter tip and constructed at least in part out of a high-friction material; a drive wire (140) running through the axial lumen of the catheter body being connected on the proximal end to a power source (180) and on the distal end to the friction producing plug. Methods include using the drive wire to rotational!)' or axially translationally move the friction producing plug within the catheter tip. The friction produced by the movement of the friction producing plug and the inner wall of the catheter tip generates heat which can be conducted outward by the thermally conductive material.